Chapter Twenty Seven - Six 'o' Clock Rock & Flies On The Wall

6pm on a Saturday evening is one of those in-between times. It’s no longer day and yet it’s not quite evening. It’s a kind of twilight zone between the two, and I’m utilising my time to its full potential.

I’ve exfoliated and fake tanned, I’ve varnished my nails and straightened my hair, pencilled my lips and painted my cheeks. And I’ve tried on about 50,000 different outfits and still can’t find one that’s ‘right’ for my date with Paul tonight.

And I’ve only got an hour to decide!

*

As Sophie added to the huge pile of clothes on her bed, discarding them with an irritated ‘Grrrrrr’ as she listened to her Motown collection at top volume she had no concern for what her friends and family were doing at that exact time……

Tamsin and Pete were buried beneath the duvet in a swish hotel room in Brighton, oblivious to his mobile which flashed and buzzed on ‘silent’ in his jeans pocket, which lay crumpled on the floor….

Ade was cracking open a cold can of beer, slouched on his black sofa, his laptop perched on his knees as he Google’d for something that would knock Sophie Regan off of her pretty feet…..

Rob had enjoyed a relaxing day and was standing in his kitchen, throwing together a seafood stir-fry and looking forward to a relaxing evening and a chance to catch up on the pile of DVD’s that stood like a stalagmite beside his television.

Trevor was stressed. His car had failed its MOT this afternoon and he was aggravated and flicking through the telephone book to find a decent mechanic to get his car through for a decent price…..

Jennifer was ready to go out into Dublin for the night. She was overly made-up and her clothes were far more New York than Dundalk – but that was Jen all over. Checking her watch she leaned forward to greet the fat line of white powder that she’d neatly chopped into place on her kitchen worktop. It was going to be another great night…..

None of them were aware of the small cluster of photographers that were gathering on the street outside of Sophie’s home…

Chapter Twenty Six
Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Six - Things That Go Buzz In The Night

I can’t sleep tonight. I’m all churned up and anxious. I can’t get Paul Ashkuri out of my head and feel confused and suspicious about Trevor Malone too. He’d appeared from nowhere – both in my life and at The Dorchester and I’m puzzled at his sudden interest. Geezer magazine isn’t a great read – full of male ego and topless ‘babes’ – hardly the intelligent read of the year! My bed is warm and crumpled, uncomfortable now after being in it for the last 2 hours. I fling the covers back and stand up, grabbing the duvet and turning it – so that the hot side is now out side, and slide back between the sheets. I wish I could turn my head off. And just as I begin to relax, my phone bleeps. It’s Paul Ashkuri! Telling me how hot and horny he’s feeling!

HEY GORGEOUSSSS – IN BED AT DORCH FEELNG HOT N HORNY THINKNG OF U. XX

And how am I supposed to sleep after that! It makes me realise how I miss a man’s body in bed beside me, someone to snuggle up to, someone to touch their bare skin, their warmth and that great feminine feeling of sexual power. I lay there for a while, my eyes closed, remembering how great it had been for a while between Ben and I, and how he’d really been the one that had switched me on in bed. Before I know it I’m getting all hot and sweaty, until I can’t wait any longer before opening the drawer of my bedside cabinet and pulling out my newest buzzing buddy, thinking of how Ben used to gently pull my hair as he kissed me, soft and hard. It’s been way, way too long….

*

I must have fallen asleep mid flow! I wake up to hear a slow and intermittent buzz, convinced that a bee has flown into my bedroom and is tired and stuck somewhere. Something shakes on the top of my thigh and I leap from my bed and shriek. Then I see my Rampant Rabbit flailing, like a fish that’s been out of water too long, on my bare sheets. It’s on its last legs battery-wise and is barely limping along on last reserves. I grab it and switch it off, discarding it to the floor. It’s 4.15am and I have no chance of getting back to sleep now. Desperate to try, I get back into bed, staring at the insides of my eyelids as I worry how large the black bags will be beneath my eyes, just ready for my date with Paul Ashkuri later today! Typical! I must try and get some more sleep…

*

Thankfully I managed to get another few hours in, but one of the first things I’ve had to do this morning is talk to Tamsin. I ring her repeatedly as I curl up on my sofa, the cool leather sticking to my bare legs as I hold a cereal bowl to my face and spoon in huge mounds of Frosties and milk. Tam isn’t picking up; she’s obviously ‘busy’ with Pete. I can catch up with her later, but in the meantime I have to talk to somebody. I call Jennifer, against my better judgement.

“Hi Jen.”
“What the hell are you doing? Calling before 10 on a Saturday morning? Don’t you know I have yoga in half an hour and then I’m busy at the beauty salon all afternoon?”

“Sorry. Listen, I just need to run something by you.”

“OK, but make it quick. Or call me back on my mobile.”

“No,” I realise I’ve made a mistake even thinking that she’ll have anything positive to add to my confusion. “It’s alright, I’ll call you later.”

“Just tell me now, Sophie. What’s wrong?”

I steam in, “Well you know my deal about staying single?”

“Yes. Absolutely fucking ridiculous, but go on.”

“Well, what is single? If I go on a date have I broken my promise to stay single? Or do I only break it if I sleep with him? Or do I not even break it then? Not until I continue to see him as a ‘boyfriend’ on a regular basis?” I hear her huffing at the other end, “The bottom line is Jen, at what point in a relationship are you single and what point not!”

“This whole thing is insane. What are you trying to prove? Just go and get your brains banged out girl. Stop taking everything so seriously.”

There’s a moments pause before she adds, “Anyway – who is it?”

“Paul Ashkuri.”

“Fuck off!”

I can’t keep the smile from my voice, “Paul Ashkuri! Honest!”

“As in Paul Ashkuri and Keira Knightley?”

“Yep. Him.”

“Fuck off! You! How?”

“I interviewed him yesterday and he asked me to join him for dinner tonight.”

“Jesus, Sophie! You gotta go for that! Don’t even hesitate. Fuck the promise or whatever it is!”

“But don’t you think it’s all a bit weird? I mean, I’m not stupid Jen. I make this public ‘promise’ and all of a sudden I have the likes of movie stars asking me out! I’m not daft!”

“Who gives a shit, Soph. Go with it. Go with him. Make him fall in love with you.”

I should have realised she’d react this way. She’s so shallow – it wouldn’t matter about a guy’s personality or hygiene or integrity. As long as he was loaded – that’s all that my sister wants. To marry a bank account.

*

Rob was having a lay-in. He was sick of being up early 7 days a week, spending his life under car bonnets and oiled up to the neck. Tamsin had called in quickly last night to drop in the DVD of Sophie on the chat show. She’d kissed him on the cheek as she’d ran out the front door and he’d gone to the window, noticing Pete sitting in the driving seat of his Audi TT Coupe, his fingers drumming on the steering wheel as he waited. They were off for another weekend away and as Rob watched his sister get into the car he wondered what on earth she was doing tangled up in a situation like that.

An hour later he was still in bed and watching the Sophie DVD. He thought she was great; as natural and charming on camera as she was at home, although he preferred the at-home Sophie. He watched as hints of that Sophie, the one that had got under his skin with her great laugh and easy conversation as he’d painted her kitchen, shone through on his television screen. As he watched her recounting her horrendous dating stories and explaining why she’d decided to stay single, he thought how unjust it was that she’d been treated so badly. Women like her should be looked after and loved.

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Seven

Chapter Twenty Five - Celebrity Bed Fodder? Me?

Ade couldn’t get Trevor’s words out of his head; ‘bet I get her to go out with me this weekend’. Ade couldn’t let that happen. He couldn’t take the chance on Trevor revealing his true identity as Adrian Ford aka Ade Gets Laid. Not only that – he didn’t like the idea of Sophie being used by him. He spent a few minutes skulking by the water cooler before walking back toward Trevor. He hated himself for what he was about to do, but went ahead anyway and sat on the edge of Trevor’s desk,

“Two hundred quid says I get Sophie before you do.”

Trev clapped his hands and laughed before stretching out his large hand and shaking Ade’s,

“Candy from a baby, dude.”

*

I tell you what - The Dorchester was awesome. I’m lying on my sofa in my underwear, the cool breeze buffeting my curtains and washing over my bare skin. I arrived home slightly hot and bothered and my head is spinning! I just can’t believe what happened there this afternoon! Simply getting out of the cab onto Park Lane made me feel great and I willed my legs to remain straight and to not show that my knees were shaking as I breezed through the revolving doors at the entrance. I made my way toward Ashkuri’s suite and sat obediently on one of the seats in a row, checking my watch and reading through my notes, along with another 4 journalists. I had 10 minutes before my interview time and was determined to be prepared. Paul Ashkuri was charm personified. He’d flown in from Miami last night and, according to the journalists that went in, and then out, before me – he’d been tired. It was made a little tougher in the knowledge that AJ would have killed for this interview – I wanted to get answers to questions that no other journo would think of! Prepared to the max, I was on a mission to make the most of my paltry 5 minutes. But I wasn’t expecting the reaction that I’d got!

I had tiptoed into the executive suite – which was bigger than my entire house – and sank immediately knee-deep into the carpet. Ashkuri looked fabulous; the combo of his South London attitude with a Californian tan was knockout. My shaky knees buckled when he’d turned to face me and spoke,

“Babe?”

He was gorgeous in a Jonny Lee Miller kind of way – relaxed and chilled out whilst also being polite and charming. I had quaked and lowered myself into an enormous leather armchair, my note pad resting on my lap. I noticed him check out my legs appreciatively, and by the time his gaze had reached my face it was significantly redder than usual. I had struggled to begin with my questions, but he’d unnerved me by shifting in his chair to face me, leaning forward and smiling as he’d stared at me.

“OK, em, Paul, em Mr Ashkuri,” I hadn’t been able to concentrate! He had been scanning my scarlet face, a mischievous dance in his eyes as he soaked in the entire ‘look’ of me. I forced myself to get started, “right, how do you feel now about your career? Had you anticipated this meteoric rise to stardom?” He’d continued to smile at me. God, at that rate you’d think he’d fancied me or something?

“Mr Ashkuri?”

His accent had been broad and a little rough, but knicker-melting too,

“Call me Paul.”

“Right. OK, so I have the usual notes on your career to date, so how about a few different ones?”

He leaned forward and rubbed my arm,

“Go on,”

“Right,” I know that I kept nervously clearing my throat, “So, in your latest movie Keira Knightley is your leading lady. If you could choose a leading lady in your real life, who would she be? What kind of woman do you go for?”

I sat, pen poised for his answer.

“You.”

I looked up, wondering who he was talking to. He continued to stare at me, smiling.

“Pardon?”

“You!”

“Sorry?”

Then he had reached out and had taken my hand gently. I’d been certain that he could feel it tingling as I could.

“You’re gorgeous. Please. Come out with me tomorrow night.”

“Pardon?” I hadn’t believed what I was hearing.

“Serious. I’ll send a car to collect you at 8.” Then he’d slid the pen from my hand, slipping the notepad from my lap,

“So?” he’d smiled as my heart had banged in my chest, “your address?”

Crazy as it sounds now, I just sat there and blurted my address and telephone number. I wasn’t sure whether I’d felt sick or overwhelmed with lust – but something had been going on – and still was, 2 hours later! Whatever about the 5 minute interview curfew, I had sat in his suite in The Dorchester for over 20 minutes and he’d been fantastic; telling me everything I needed and a whole lot more. Then, as I’d floated out of the hotel, I bumped straight into Geezer magazine’s Trevor.

I think he’d been waiting for me – weird as that sounds. He’d whipped out a deep red rose from behind his back and handed it to me, “How did the Ashkuri interview go? Summer Lawson was great.” And he’d looked to the floor as he’d added, “Not as cute as you, though.”

Which is why, when I finally arrived home, I had to strip off and lay in the cool breeze. I had to lose the confines of the day in order for my head to relax and think, think, think! Trevor Malone handed me his business card with GEEZER emblazoned across the front of it. I still don’t believe it, but he went on to ask me out for dinner tonight! When I told him that I was busy he looked disappointed, pulling out his mobile and asking if I was free tomorrow night. I didn’t tell him that Paul Ashkuri was hoping to take me out tomorrow night –as I still didn’t quite believe it myself. I was already wondering how many more of the female journalists he’d hit on with his disarming interview style and request to add to his address book.

My head is in an excited spin.

And I’m feeling rather sexy right now.

*

Rob raised his hand and wiped his wet face, smearing more oil across his sweating forehead. He wished he worked in one of those garages on the television – the ones like on EastEnders or Coronation Street where they never get dirty and spend a few minutes tinkering under a bonnet when somebody arrives with a more pressing dilemma – working under bonnet of car again. Since starting up on his own he’d been inundated with work and knew he shouldn’t complain, but it was another Friday evening and he was nowhere near finished. He’d enjoyed spending time with Sophie last week and it made him realise how non-existent his social life was. Tam was always moaning at him to take more time off for him, but it was easy for her to say. He was trying to build a business and letting clients down or turning cars away wasn’t the way forward.

Tam mentioned that Sophie had been on the television during the week and he’d been disappointed to miss it, although his sister had recorded the interview. Digging into his overalls pocket for his mobile he unlocked the keypad and texted Tamsin,

TAM ANY CHANCE U CLD DROP SOPHIE DVD IN 2NITE? THX XX

Chapter Twenty Four
Chapter Twenty Six

Pulling Power #8

The romantics are out.

And love is their drug.

Keep 'em coming guys - send your chat up lines to Pulling Power at singlesophieregan@yahoo.co.uk

Do you have any better than this???

Chapter Twenty Four - Does One Date Break My Promise?

It was strange for Ade. His mobile relentlessly bleeped and buzzed with new text messages – and yet it was starting to bore him. His www.myspace.com mail box was loaded with messages from women, accompanied by their pouty photos and cheeky online names. He was confused by his sudden shift in opinion. Whereas once all the female attention was an ego boost and fodder for Ade Gets Laid, it now seemed fake and a little sad and lonely. It was fun, striking up a conversation with a photograph and watching a personality unravel, but always led to sexy banter and innuendo which then culminated in either a quick impersonable lay, or fizzled out as each of them moved on to yet another mugshot. He felt uncomfortable with the Sophie situation. There was something about her that set her aside from his usual Ade Gets Laid women. She had a little something extra about her and he liked it. She didn’t only look great, but he liked her attitude. He’d been reading the Relationship Rehab column and it had made him feel slightly guilty about his dating etiquette, he liked her style. He was jerked back to reality by Trevor, slapping him on the shoulder as he passed his desk.

“Hey mate? You dozing off there?”

“No,” Ade faked a laugh, pondering whether to say something or not. He went ahead, “Actually mate, I need to say something to you.”

“Fire!” Trevor’s cheeks were plumped out as his mouth was stuffed with a Subway Cheese & Pickle roll. Ade noticed fragments of bread spray onto a pile of papers.

“It’s this Sophie Regan thing. I think you’re out of order mate, to be honest.”

“You do?” Trevor continued to talk with his mouth overspilling, “Why?”

“Well, it’s not your patch, is it? The Ade Gets Laid thing? You know that’s why I was targeting her. So why have you stepped in on this one, and none of the others? How are you suddenly so interested?”

Trevor laughed, swallowed his food and took another huge bite before replying, “You’ve fucked up, mate. Big time. The thing is; I’ve been honest with her. Which is more than you have, dude. I mean, she knows I work for Geezer. What did you say? Some Accountancy or Financing magazine?” He laughed, throwing his head back as he gorged on the last of the crusty roll. “What a load of shit, Ade. She’ll never go for you now.”

“OK, but what’s your interest then, mate?”

Trevor looked at him for the first time since the conversation started, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. He smiled,

“You really don’t get it, do you?”

Ade shrugged and raised his eyebrows.

“The way this Sophie bird is going? The first guy to make her break her ridiculous I’m-gonna-be-single-for-a-year project? He’ll be one of the hottest dudes of the year? I mean,” he snorted, “what kind of sad cow chooses to stay single? I’ll change her. I converted a lesbian once, you know?”

“Fuck off, Trev.”

He grinned, “Serious! I did. She was gagging for a bit of cock after I’d shown her how to use it properly.”

Ade shook his head in disgust. With morons like Trevor Malone in the world, he could understand why decent women like Sophie chose to stay single! He pushed his chair back, needing to get away from him for a while. Trevor called after him, addressing his back,

“Hey! And I’m meeting her this afternoon too.”

Ade refused to turn around, continuing to walk away. Trev shouted,

“We’re both interviewing at the Dorchester! Bet I get her to go out with me this weekend!”

*

I’m confused. I’m trawling through these comments on my site and some of the guys have sent photographs of themselves! Talk about hot! There are some beautiful faces – men and women – on here and their comments are warm and enthusiastic. There are some derogatory and negative comments too – but that’s to be expected I suppose. From the last 50 comments that I’ve read, 22 have asked to take me out on a date, wanting to talk to me about my reasons for staying single and, get this, certain that they can change my mind! So how to sift the dross from the diamonds? The potential here for liars is huge! And would a date mean that I’m breaking my promise to stay single?

It’s 1pm and my cab is due in half an hour. I’m excited about interviewing Paul Ashkuri and have researched his previous movies and have been Googling him for the best part of the week. Hopefully, my research is thorough – and some of my questions will surprise him.

I’m tidying my desk, ready to shutdown my computer when I notice that Delaney has sent me an email.

RE: Singles Nights

Maria Delaney

To: Sophie Regan

Sophie – I’d like you to check out this singletons quiz night in Lambeth next week. I’ve attached the pdf file for you to get info from. It will tie in nicely with your Rel Rehab feature. Also, please check out singles holidays – availability and popularity of. Might have to get you on one of those in a few weeks time! Let me know what you think about the comments to the website too.

Good luck with the Ashkuri interview. Don’t forget to mention how Woman To Woman are at the cutting edge of contemporary woman’s issues.

___________

Maria Delaney

Editor

Woman To Woman

___________

I shutdown and lock my desk. I’ve got about 10 minutes before the cab is due and so I nip into the loos and make sure that I look good for Paul Ashkuri. As I look in the mirror and apply my lipstick I can’t help wondering about those great looking men on the site! Should I reply to them? And then I realise a whole new dilemma. Would dating a guy mean that I’ve broken my promise? Would sleeping with a guy mean that? Or is it OK to have a one night stand? Is the concept of staying single dependent on the intention not to get involved with a guy emotionally?

Now I’m really confused.

Chapter Twenty Three
Chapter Twenty Five

Second Life or First Life??

Bored of your first life? Come and try a Second Life!

So far we've met in The Blarney Stone and Sappho's Garden.

Today we'll be meeting up at Artropolis at 9pm UK time (co-ordinates 69,122,25).

Find me at SophieRegan Jewell and I'll teleport you there if you're not sure! Come and have a try - it's a bit weird at first, but it's fun too! (no - honest, it is!)

Don't have Second Life - download it! It's FREE at www.secondlife.com

Here's a photo of Artropolis to get you in the mood.

Chapter Twenty Three - Blood Red Tulips

Once I’d got over the grossness of the low-down bum, I floated home. I absolutely loved it! The first thing I did on leaving the studios was ring Tamsin. I cringed when she told me that I did go boss eyed at first. Damn it! Why didn’t I click that the writing on the lens was autocue? I thought it was weird how William Montelson was saying exactly what was written on the camera! How embarrassing! But Tam said I was great. I’m gutted that I forgot to record it and now I have to go into work this morning as probably the only person there who didn’t see it. I’m feeling really good about all of this now and am so pleased that Delaney shoe-horned me into the idea of Relationship Rehab as a feature. I breeze from the street, through the tinted revolving doors and into the cool marbled reception area where Ellie sits behind her desk. She is beaming at me.

“Sophie, you were fantastic. Everybody’s talking about it. You were just a natural. A complete natural. Well done!”

“Wow, thanks! I still haven’t seen it. Did I have too much make-up on?”

“No! You looked great.”

Still smiling I turn to walk towards the lift and crash straight into a man’s chest. My teeth clunk together and I bite my lip. Great – that’s a good start to the working day – I can taste blood immediately.

“Sorry! I’m so sorry!”

I bring my hand to my mouth and see the red blobs on my hand. This is awful. I look up to see Adrian. I’m devastated!

“I’m so sorry, Sophie. Here, let me help you.”

He marches over to Ellie and pulls a couple of tissues from the complimentary box that sits beside the vase of flowers. I hadn’t noticed them before….

“Look, I’m sorry. Here,” he passes me the tissues and I hold them to my lips. I look up at him with one eyebrow raised and his face melts into a knicker-quivering smile,

“Hey,” his voice is warm and soft, “I bought you these.”

He points across to the huge bouquet of crimson tulips that sit on Ellie’s reception desk.

“You did? Why?”

“Well, they were to say well done last night, but now I think they have to be as apology for nearly knocking your teeth out. I’ll buy you some more to say well done for last night!”

I’m blushing again. Even more so when he puts his arm around me lightly and asks me if I’m really OK. I shuffle towards the lift and as the doors close I see him turn to face Ellie. I catch the beginning of his sentence. I’m certain it’s something like, ‘Messed that up didn’t I?’

*

I’m stunned when I walk into the office. You can hardly see my desk for flowers! Here I am, never received flowers unless I was in hospital, and my desk is hidden beneath at least 4 bouquets. AJ has a face that could curdle milk whilst still in the cow’s udder. Delaney appears from her office, a huge smile confusing me. I’ve never seen her smile. Ever.

“You did so well, Sophie. And look at these flowers?”

“Who are they from?” I’m still mopping my cut lip with a, now red, polka dotted tissue.

“Admirers, Sophie! You went down a storm last night. Come into my office we need to talk.” She turns to AJ and says, “AJ? Get Sophie and I a couple of coffees would you, please?” I’m not sure who is more horrified – AJ, for being asked to fetch me a coffee, or me for being grouped into Delaney’s gang of Those Of Elevated Status and invited into her office for a talk. We get in there and she actually pulls a chair out for me.

“You OK? What’s with the lip?”

I draw the tissue away and check that it has stopped bleeding. I tell her it was just an accident that happened in reception. She nods, desperate to get to the exciting stuff.

“Right, Sophie,”

She’s actually calling me Sophie and not ‘Regan’! She continues, shuffling papers on her desk and then clicking her mouse which sits on her Barry White mouse mat.

“This is exploding. And you’re at the centre of it. I’ve been inundated this morning with calls from Stephanie in the Press Room. Loads of researchers want to talk to you. The Daily Mail want to speak with you, Marie Claire and even the Philadelphia Inquirer are interested in your story about staying single. It’s inspired, Sophie. And you were a complete natural on the television. But there’s something else too. The website? It’s been loaded with hits throughout the night. Be prepared for this, but you’re going to have to answer these people. Some of them are empowered by your confidence and outlook. There are some who want to ask you questions about why you’re staying single, others want to share their stories, but there are some too who want to be your ‘man’!” She says the word ‘man’ with a comical slow drawl – which somehow is lost on me. I’ve never seen her like this before – all kind of light hearted and full of, em, personality?

“Anyway, I just wanted to say well done. You’re due at the Dorchester at 2, Ashkuri’s team are expecting you – you’ll have about 5 mins max. I’ve booked a cab for you at 1.30 – should give you plenty of time. So for this morning I’d like to you have a check of the website and see whether you can start shaping it a little. Reply to some of the comments and start getting your Relationship Rehab pieces online too. Will be a great way to keep them alive.”

My head is spinning. This is ludicrous. I wrote a few pieces about staying single. I went on a chat show and talked about why I’m disillusioned. And now? I have a website?

AJ enters the room and I can feel her seething as she lowers the coffee cups onto the table. I’m so tempted to smile up at her and tell her that I’d prefer tea, but decide it’s not wise to.

She’d probably tip it over my head!

*

This website is mind-blowing. I can’t believe how many people have sent in comments. Look at this,

‘How are you doing today my lovely one? I was channel hopping last night and had to stop when I saw you. I was lucky to remember the website address and couldn’t resist dropping by and saying ‘hi’. I promise I’m not like all those other guys – please reply me back if you would like us to date. I am a single Man and a Dad.’ - Dennis, Yorkshire

‘ Hello, I the look of you and your articles are brilliant. I really trip for your pictures.... I want to know more about you. I am looking for real love.... just get back and I will tell you more about me. You won’t regret it.’ – James, Portsmouth

‘Hello - you have a beautiful face and a warm heart. Your beauty and smile have captured my imagination and my heart started falling for you the very minute I saw you on William Montelson’s sofa. You have a beauty that runs deep and is hard to find. Your eyes hold a sexiness and a passion others can only long for. As long as my heart beats, I shall seek out your soul and be fulfilled you’re your beauty. Live with me and you will not regret staying single.’ - Darryl, Wokingham

‘I could make you change your mind. Email me back and I bet I’ll have you changing your mind within days…’ - Rick, Cardiff

This is outrageous – everything bad that speed dating and Wine Not? was – only a million times worse! And it continues,

‘I’m gonna rock your world babe. What’s a stunna like you staying single for? No-one snapped you up yet? I’m your man!’ - Kevin, Bath

‘Hi Sophie, I am also trying to stay single. I have been let down by women all my life and think that you are brave and independent by making that decision. Single is all about choices and those choices are eradicated by relationships. You know that it makes sense and I praise your wisdom.’ – Maurice, Aberdeen

I’m completely overwhelmed. This is a freak show. What have I started?

Two hours later I’m still trawling through the comments and emails. The smell of flowers beside my desk is heady and I realise that I haven’t looked at any of the cards yet. I rub my eyes and lift the first card from the mini envelope. It says,

‘You were fabulous last night. Get used to these flowers – I will continue to send them until you see sense. You interviewing Paul Ashkuri later? I’ll be there to talk to Summer Lawson. Fancy a drink afterwards? Trevor, Geezer magazine’

He was the one who sent the lilies yesterday? It must be! Unless that’s a coincidence. But they were from Trevor weren’t they? And he did say that he’ll continue to send them. I must be him. Now I’m nervous about the Ashkuri interview. It almost feels as though he’s kind of stalking me.

The other cards read,

‘I want you. You are the most beautiful and passionate woman that I have ever seen. Please, be mine. G’

G? What kind of a sign off is that? I have no idea who they are from. The other bouquet is equally as baffling – it simply reads RL. The fourth bouquet is from Ben. I recognise his writing and the message is simple but sweet,

‘Sophie – thank you. Your kind heart rang true. Thank you for being a friend. I am eternally thankful to you. B.S.’

I was surprised actually, at how I dodged the questions about Ben last night. I simply smiled and said that Ben and I were still great friends and we realised a little too late that we were better off that way. I even managed to get a sympathetic giggle from the audience. But I have to admit, I was terrified about any particularly aggressive types of questions about Ben.

I am going to have to avoid the subject of Ben Scott at all costs…

Chapter Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty Four